Adipose Stem Cell Injections for Knee Arthritis

Clinical Trials Using the Patients Stem Cells Are Now Available

Many patients ask about the ability of stem cells to restore knee cartilage. Unfortunately we are unable to restore cartilage with an injection alone; however, we do believe stem cells have the ability to improve patient pain, decrease inflammation, and improve patients quality of life. As is the case for our approach at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, we prefer to base treatments on evidence whenever possible. In this light, we have started a clinical trial that utilizes the stem cells found in patients fat (adipose) tissue, separate them out, and re-inject them into the joint that same day. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial in 90 patients evaluating the efficacy and safety of ADRC’s autologous adipose stem cell therapy. Randomization is: 2 (ADRC): 1 (Placebo). Assessments will include pain, joint function, magnetic resonance imaging and adverse events. This is a Phase 2 trial which means that the Phase 1 trial is already complete and demonstrated that there were no significant side effects or any unsafe reactions that occurred with obtaining the cells and injection. As with all clinical trials there are criteria that need to be met to be included, the basics of which can be seen below:

Inclusion Criteria:

Age: 40-70 years of age

Knee Osteoarthritis

Pain or Symptoms for the last 6 months or more

Can tolerate liposuction procedure that removes 1.5 cups of fat from your body

Exclusion Criteria:

Need for an assistive device when walking

Surgery in that knee or the other side in the last 6 months

Rheumatoid Arthritis or Gout

Knee injections

Steroid in previous 3 months

Hyaluronic Acid in previous 6 months

Assuming these criteria are met, you can contact our office for a clinical visit with us and our research staff. If you are interested, please see contact info below: